Stabilizing device



Patented Jan. 6

2 4Z @f sa.

El?. B55551275? .ER

A TTURN E Y.

FRED D. BLESSIVIEYER, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

STABILIZING DEVICE.

Application led November 30, 1918.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, Fnnn D. BLnssMnYEr., a citizen of the United Statesof America, residing at Fittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and Stateof Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inStabilizing Devices, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to stabilizing devices used as supports inelectric cars, and similar conveyances, and has for its purpose theprovision of new types of stabilizers or hangers with pertinentoperating parts possessing the following advantages.

By the arrangement of parts and devices of my new device, the loadingand unloading of passengers into and out of the vehicle or car isgreatly accelerated; all the available standing room or space is placedunder the immediate control of the employees operating the car, thusenabling all the space of this character to be used in every car; and arigid support or stabilizer is provided for passengers, each stabilizerwhen not in use automatically retiring to an out of the way position aswill least obstruct the interior head-room space of the conveyance. Allof these advantages and others will be hereinafter more particularlyexplained as the description contained in this specification proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, I haveshown one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention,and a modification thereof, constructed according to the best mode Ihave so far devised for the practical application of the principles ofmy invention.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a front view of one of the types ofstabilizer or hanger forming part of my invention, one of the hangersbeing shown in section.V

` Fig. 2 is a transverse view of the type of stabilizer shown in Fig. 1,illustrated in operative position within an electric car.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of the preferred type of stabilizershown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the longitudinal supporting rod of an electriccar with my invention in operative position thereon.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged front detail view, partly in section of the typeof stabilizer shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig, 6 is a transverse side view partly in Specification of LettersPatent.

Patented Jan. 6, 1920.

Serial No. 264,822.

section taken from the right of Fig. 5, the spiral spring not beingshown in the Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the hanger shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a center entrance electric car with myinvention shown therein.

Fig. 9 is a similar diagrammatic view of my invention arranged for usein an end entrance7 electric car.

In the drawings Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive illustrate the preferred form ofmy invention, and Figs. 1 and 2 the modified form of same.

The preferred form of the invention will be first described, in which 1indicates a longitudinal and preferably hollow metal supporting rod,somewhat similar to the wooden rod at present in electric cars, havingthe holders 2, 3 at intervals, for attachment to the roof of the car orconveyance 4. The tubular member 1 is rotatably mounted in the holders2, 3, etc., and longitudinal displacement of the member or rod 1 is prevented by the use of the annular collars 5, 6, etc., which last arerigidly mounted on the rod 1 on each side of the holders 2, 3, etc., asshown.

The hanger or stabilizer or hanger proper consists of a preferablyhollow metal pipe 7, screw-threaded at both ends 8, and 9, toaccommodate the complementary threads of the handle 10, and the cap 11respectively. The construction of the handle 10 and cap 11 is shown inFigs 5 and 6. The cap 11 has a downwardly curved vannular rim 12,adapted to receive the top coil 13 of a spiral spring 14, and also aprojecting flange 15 engaging the threaded end 9 of the pipe 7. Anannular collar 16 encircles the end 9 of the pipe 7, either rigidlymounted thereon, or formed integral therewith, for a purpose describedbelow. A metal casting 17 having a curved upwardly turned rim 18 adaptedto receive the lowermost coil 19 of the spring 14, and a tubularprojection 20 is rigidly mounted on the longitudinal rod 1. The tubularportion 20 of the casting 17 passes through the rod 1 as shown in Figs.5 and 6. In plan view it is seen the casting 17 is preferably other thancircular in shape as illustrated in Fig. 7 so that when the handle 10 isturned around or revolved about the vertical axis of pipe 7 the spring14 will meet with re- ,Sistance CQ being turned, lav the flaite/11e@sides 21 of the rim 18, thereby preventing disarrangement of the deviceby any person tampering with the handle 10. The casting 17 is preferablymade with a raised or bossed annular shoulder 22, so that when thehandle 10 is drawn downward to position 23, Fig. 4, the downward pull bythe user of the device is not resisted by the coils of the spring 14,but the lower edge of the annular collar 16 engages against saidshoulder 22, making a rigid or nonelastic support. Moreover it is seenthat the spring 14 can thereby be made much less in strength, when thisform of construction is used, because the spring is not designed toresist the weight of the person, its function being principally toreturn the unloaded handle 10 automatically to its uppermost position asshown in the Fig. 5. The coils of the spring 14 when same is compressedfit within each sucessive neighbor, as is readily understood, and reston the face 24 of the casting 17, and the spiral tapered type of springas shown in Fig. 5 is used for this reason in preference to acylindrical coiled spring, like that shown in the Fig. 1 of thedrawings. The rim 18 is flattened at 21 on each side of the casting 17so that the projections of the rim as shown in the Fig. 6, will form assmall obstructions as may be possible transversely beyond the sides ofthe longitudinal member or rod 1. The pipe 7 reciprocates vertically inthe part 20 of the casting 17, when the handle 10 is drawn downward bythe user of the device and the spring 14 automatically retracts thehandle to its highest position close to the rod 1, the moment the handleis released by the user. A rigidly mounted collar 92 on the pipe 7 formsa stop for the handle 10 in its upward travel, and in order to eliminatenoise.

and reduce the shock when the handle returns to the retracted positionshown in F ig. 5, a ber or leather washer 93 is provided, which engagesbetween the collar 92 and the lower end 94 of the pipe 7.

On the ends of the longitudinal member or rod 1, a special holder 25 isused, which performs adouble function of a support and a part of thelocking mechanism of the device. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate thisfeaturebest. Av lever 26 is rigidly mounted on rod 1, and is provided with aproject-ion 27 which can be beveled at 28 if desired to more readilyengage in the slots 29, 30, etc. formedV in the arc-plate portion 31 ofthe special holder 25. The handle 32 enables the metal lever 26 whichpossesses the necessary resiliency to be sprung out of one slot such as29, and moved around to another slot such as 30 when desired; From whichit is seen that while the hanger or stabilizer 33 and lever 26 arerigidly mounted. on the rod 1, that by operating the handle 32 the pipeor rod 1 itself can be rotated in its holders 2, 3, etc., therebythrowing the stabilizer 33 to the position shown dotted at 34 in Fig. 3.llVhen the stabilizer is in position 34, it is out of the way, andcauses less obstruction in the head-room space of the car or otherconveyance. This lever 26 as will be shown is placed under the controlof the employees of the car, thereby controlling the proper loading ofthe car. As many stabilizers 33 can be used as necessary and levers 26with accompanying parts can be placed on each of the ends of the rod 1,when found to be desirable. So that not only do the handles 10 of eachstabilizer on each rod 1 automatically retract when not in use, but theconductor or other employee of the car can control a series ofstabilizers on each separate longitudinal rod 35, 36, to 42 inclusive.(See Figs. S and 9 of the drawings.)

In the modification of my invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2, I have shownanother type of stabilizer which can be used as an alternative to thatirst described. In the modification 43 indicates a longitudinal tubularmember like 1 of the Fig. 4, 44 is a vertically disposed preferablyhollow pipe having screw-threaded ends at 45, 46 for receiving thecomplementary threaded handle 47 and cap 48. A hollow socket 49,preferably of cast metal as shown'in Fig. 1. having chambers 50 and 51of different internal dimensions, is rigidly mounted in the tubularmember 43'. The chamber' 51 is of proper diameter to slidably receivethe hollow pipe 44, while the chamber 50 is made large enough to freelyaccommodate the cylindrical spring 52 when it is in compressed position.The cap 48 is provided with downwardly projecting screw-threaded iange53 having threads engaging the end 46 of pipe 44, before described, andsaid cap has also the outwardly projecting annular flange adapted toform an abutment for the uppermost coil 55 of spring 52. The lowermostcoil 56 of the spring 52 engages against the shoulder 57 formed in thehollow socket 49, and it is seen that when the handle 47 is drawndownward to the dotted position 58, the spring 52 is compressed untilthe cylindrical; coils thereof lie approximately one upon the other,between the two abutments 54 and 57. Upon release of the handle 47, thespring' 52 automatically returns same to the retracted position 62, withthe annular collar 59, which is rigidly mounted on the pipe 44, and theliber or leather annular washer 60 engages the lower end 61 of thesocket 49, thereby forming` a vertical stop for said handle 47. Theliber or leather washer 60 preventsnoise, and reduces the shock when thehandle returns automatically to the retracted position 62. lWhen thehandle 47 is withdrawn to 58 it will be noted that the parts ed, e9, 52,etc., are made ot proper proportions so that the annular flange 5a otthe cap a8 engages the top 63 of the socket e9 as indicated at 6-l, totake the full load of the person, and form an unyielding support,similar to the itunetion oi the collar 16 and shoulder 22 oit Fig. 5,before described. The modified type of hanger 65 is mounted on thelongitudinal tubular member l, in similar fashion to the preferred ormof stabilizer illustrated in 2. That is to say the member d3 isrotatably mounted in supports 2, Fig. 2, and by operating a leversimilar to 26 on the rod the hanger 65 takes the angular or dottedpositions 67, or 68 as shown in said Fig. 2. lli-'Thile I have shown inFig. 4t only one stabilizer 33, and one locking device 69, it is evidentthat a plurality of each may be mounted on the rod 1 when necessary.Attention is called to the convenient method ci inserting new springs52, and le: in either :term ot the device, as indicated by 65 or 66 ofthe drawings. The caps l8 and 1l need only be unscrewed from the members-ll and 7 respectively in order to replace wornout springs, or todismount the members all or 7 :tor cleaning and oili-ng purposes.

In the diagrams, `Fig. 8 shows a center entrance type of electric car orother conveyance, with doors at 70, 71 as shown, the location of theconductor being indicated at 72. @n the longitudinal rods 35 to 38inclusive are a plurality7 of stabilizers 73, 7l, etc., which last maybe ot either oi' the types 65, or 66 or both. On the ends oll the rods35, 36, etc., are the locking devices 75, 76, 77, 78, similar to 69before described. rIo illustrate the control of the loading oi the carby the conductor, by an example, let it be supposed that all the seatsin the car have been occupied, and all the stabilizers 73, 7d, etc., arein the angular positions 34 ot Fig. 3, and locked by the lever 26 inposition 79. The Carman can then disengage lever 77 from its arcplate,and turn all the stabilizers 7e on the rod 38 into vertical andoperative positions as at 80 of Fig. 3. Then all persons entering thecar will naturally go to the pointin the car where there are availablestabilizers, to wit, those on rod 38. `So that the carman r, eed notrelease any of the stabilizers on the other rods 35, 36, 37, until allthose on rod 38 are in actual use. In this way as each series of hangersor stabilizers on the various rods are required, the conductor placesthem in operative positions by means of the levers 75, 76, etc. By thismeans it is at once seen that all the standing room or space in the carwill be fully used, and the passengers will not become clustered aroundthe doors of the car, move up front signs will become obsolete, and eachcar can be loaded to capacity. The loading and un loading time ot carscan also be shortened due to the passengers being in properlydistributed positions, and ingress and egress will be greatlyfacilitated. In Fig. 9 I have shown the end entrance type of car, thedoors being at 8l, 82. In this case the longitudinal rods 39 to l2inclusive may be formed in four or more sections. Se that rods 39, andlll, 40 and L2 are separated at 83 and 84; respectively. The hangers 85are used as before, and the locking devices as at 86 to 89 inclusive,similar to 69 above described. In this case the conductor at 90preferably operates two series of hangers on rods 39 and 40, while themotorman at 91 operates those on rods 4l and 42. In some cases where thecars are of a short. length it may be found advantageous to have therods 39 and 41 continuous on both sides of the car, and entirelyoperated by the conductor. In both types olcars, especially where thepay as you leave the car method of collecting fares is used, it is seenthat the intelligent and sectional distribution of the passengers in thecar by means of my `invention is a very important matter, when the timeconsumed in loading cars, and the utilization of all the standing spacein cars is considered.

I claim l. In a stabilizing device, in combination with a longitudinalsupporting rod, a plurality of stabilizers mounted thereon, and meansfor placing said series of stabilizers simultaneous y into operativepositions.

2. In a stabilizing device in combination with a rotatable longitudinalsupporting member, a plurality of stabilizers mounted thereon, a holderadapted to receive the rotatable member, an arc-plate on the holderprovided with a number of slots, and a lever on the rotatable memberhaving a projection engaging the said slots, 'for placing the sta- 110bilizers inte operative positions.

3. In a stabilizing device, a rotatable longitudinal member, a pluralityof automatically retractable stabilizers mounted on same, and` means forplacing a series of sta bilizers simultaneously into operativepositions.

d. In a stabilizing device, a rotatable longitudinal member, astabilizer having an eX- tensible handle slidably mounted in saidmember, resilient means -tor retracting the stabilizer handle, and meansfor placing the stabilizer into operative position.

5. In a stabilizing device, a longitudinal member, a casting mounted onthe same having a flange adapted to receive the coil of a spring, and adownwardly projecting tubular portion, a vertically disposed pipe havinga handle slidably mounted in the latter, an annular stop on the lowerend Gf 13() the vertical pipe, a cap on the upper end of same, andresilient means for retracting the aforesaid handle when not in use.

6. In a stabilizer', a. casting having an upwardly turned flange adaptedto receive the coil of a spring, a downwardly projecting tubular portionformed on the casting, a vertical pipe having a handle thereon slidablymounted in the tubular portion of the said casting, means forming a stopcarried on the lower end of the vertical pipe a cap on the latter havinga downwardly turned flange adapted to receive the coil of a spring, andresilient means engaging the flanges of said cap and casting forretracting the aforesaid handle when not in use.

7. In a stabilizer, a casting having a lange with an upwardly turnedrim, an annular bossed shoulder on the said liange, a downwardlyprojecting tubular member formed integral with the casting, aneXtensible vertical pipe forming` a handle, and slidably operable withinthe tubular member, a cap on the upper end of the vertical pipe having adownwardly turned rim, a tapered spiral spring engaging the rims of saidcap and casting, and an annular collar on the vertical pipe for engagingthe bossed shoul der of the casting and limit the downward extensionmovement of the aforesaid stabilizer handle.

8. In a stabilizer, a casting having an outwardly ext-ending flange, anda downwardly projecting tubular portion, a vertical pipe reciprocallyoperable within the latter, a cap on the upper end of the vertical pipe,and means for resiliently resisting the downward extension movement ofthe aforesaid vertical pipe.

9. In a stabilizer, a longitudinal tubular member, a. verticallydisposed pipe provided with a handle on its lower end, slidablyoperating within the first member, and resilient means interactingbetween the pipe and the tubular member for retracting the aforesaidhandle when not in use.

10. In a stabilizing device, a longitudinal supporting rod, a verticalmember mounted in the former, a vertically disposed pipe provided with ahandle on its lower end, slid ably operating.;` within the lattermember, and resilient means interacting between the pipe and verticalmemberl for retraoting the aforesaid handle when not in use.

1l. In a stabilizing device, a longitudinal supporting rod, a verticalmember mounted on the former, a vertical pipe provided with a. handleslidably operating` within the latter member, resilient meansinteracting` between the pipe and vertical member for retracting thehandle' automatically when not in service, and means for placing thevertically disposed member into operative position.

In testimony whereof I aliiX my signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

FRED D. BLESSMEYER. `Witnesses M. M. DEMOND, IVILLIAM A. I-IIRTLE.

